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“Lobbying” is a way to influence decisions that MSPs and other elected representatives make. 

Lobbying takes many different forms. It can be done by:

• individuals
• interest groups
• bodies that represent their members or professions
• charities and the voluntary sector 
• professional lobbyists 

Since March 2018, “regulated lobbying” must be recorded in a Lobbying Register. The types of lobbying which are regulated are set out in the Lobbying (Scotland) Act 2016.

“Regulated lobbying” is lobbying which takes place face-to-face (including by video-conference) with: 

• Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs)
• members of the Scottish Government (including Scottish Law Officers)
• junior Scottish ministers
• Scottish Government special advisers
• the Permanent Secretary of the Scottish Government

Explore the Lobbying (Scotland) Act 2016